Locale Bar Closter

Lucio's is essentially the same as its predecessor Locale with nicer, brighter interior. Enjoyed the meal but they stretch the servers too thin. Was noisy for a... read more Lucio's is essentially the same as its predecessor Locale with nicer, brighter interior. Enjoyed the meal but they stretch the servers too thin. Was noisy for anyone interested in having cross table conversation. Also, the homemade paperdelle pasta was served in my dish in 1 big clump all stuck together. Inexcusable for an Italian restaurant of this pedigree.

I wish I could pick 3.5 stars, but will give Lucio's the benefit of the doubt. My wife and I agreed--the biggest problem with Lucio's is that the name, the webs... read more I wish I could pick 3.5 stars, but will give Lucio's the benefit of the doubt. My wife and I agreed--the biggest problem with Lucio's is that the name, the website and at least parts of the menu suggest it is an Italian restaurant. But lots of other clues point you elsewhere. When you sit, they give you bread along with a kalamata olive dip and a hummus dip (which was really heavy on the cumin). I like both of those things, but ... not super Italian. My wife started with clams oreganato, and she didn't care for them; usually, they are prepared such that the bread crumbs are broiled and crispy. This was served un-browned, soft and moist; I would guess that they were steamed. Never seen this preparation before. I started with a seafood salad of calamari, octopus, shrimp, and scallop in lemon and olive oil. This was tasty, but for some reason, they decided to chop everything into small bits. Not quite cat food, but too close. It's an odd way of treating fresh seafood, and is a preparation I've never seen before (and candidly, hope not to again). For entrees, my wife had a chicken ravioli special. She thought they were tasty, but neither the filling nor the sauce called to mind La Cucina Italiana. I had a grouper special in a pea sauce, which struck my wife and me as a twist on Troisgros's famous Salmon with Sorrel. Delicious, but Italian? As a side to share, we ordered Zucchini chips. They were absolutely delicious. But they were served with.... tzatziki dip. Service was good; waiter was very friendly. Wine list is mostly filled with inexpensive options, but some of the markups were over 5X retail. Space seems to have just been renovated and is very clean and modern. Almost stark. In sum, I think this is a restaurant with a lot of potential with lots of talent in the kitchen, but a bit of an identity crisis. If the restaurant had been marketed to me as an European bistro, for example, it would have better aligned with the actual experience.

Deliciously amazing food! Extensive wine list also. If cocktails are your jam, they make them great too. Fully loaded bar with a rustic yet chic feel. Great vib... read more Deliciously amazing food! Extensive wine list also. If cocktails are your jam, they make them great too. Fully loaded bar with a rustic yet chic feel. Great vibe and atmosphere. Minimalist decor which is actually very refreshing. Super clean and an excellent wait staff. The service is great and you're never waiting to be attended to. Let's get back to the food- Yummy! We had appetizers, main courses and dessert! I should also mention we had two bottles of wine and cocktails! We were there for nearly three hours. Every single course (there were 4 of us) was absolutely delicious. This used to be Locale and now it's Lucio's! A new name and new owner's. They're doing it right. I have to say it is quite impressive. Can't wait to go back!

As a business you need to understand the Location that you operate in. The support of the Locals is essential. I grew up right next to where Locale has operated... read more As a business you need to understand the Location that you operate in. The support of the Locals is essential. I grew up right next to where Locale has operated. Many restaurants have come and gone at this location. Locale has managed to survive here more than most. But when they start blaring music at 10:40pm in a residential area its just not cool. My parents had no objections when they wanted to keep the outside patio area. They were happy that the business was doing well... But when the business starts to operate outside the parameters that they are allowed to operate that 's not cool. When they stop the music just because the po po came and then start again just after they leave... Not cool. We are more native here to Closter than you Locale. Conform and be nice to your neighbors.

Food was DELICIOUS ... service was awful. Evidently we were told 3 servers called out. Had a 7:00 reservation and didn't get our appetizers until 8:30! Locale w... read more Food was DELICIOUS ... service was awful. Evidently we were told 3 servers called out. Had a 7:00 reservation and didn't get our appetizers until 8:30! Locale was always a favorite restaurant and we hoped Lucio's would be as good. We will try again... provided the service improves!